Q9.
Are you going to persuade these Schengen countries to allow
HKCI holders visa-free visits as well?
A9.
For the purpose of the present lobbying exercise, we will
concentrate on persuading the countries concerned to preserve
the visa-free facilities for BN (0)s and HKBDTCS because that
is what they are enjoying now. As HKCIs are issued to persons whose national status is uncertain, it would not be appropriate to lobby on their behalf.
Q10. How has the Schengen Convention come into existence?
A10. The Schengen Agreement was originally signed on 14 June 1985
by 5 countries: the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands. It concerns the gradual
abolition of controls at their common frontiers.
The Schengen Convention signed on 19 June 1990 by the
signatores to the Schengen Agreement mainly contains detailed
implementing rules on the abolition of internal border checks
of persons.
On 17 November 1990, Italy became the 6th party to both the
Agreement and the Convention, while Spain and Portugal were
admitted as observers.
At present, there are 9 member states: Italy, Spain, Belgium,
Netherlands, Luxembourg, Greece, France, Germany and
Portugal.
Q11. Have the UKG and the HKG ever kept track of the development
of this Agreement and its effect on Hong Kong?
All. The UK Government is not a party to this agreement and the
information available is limited and patchy.
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